Olusegun Adeyemo
The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the recent wave of demolitions carried out in FESTAC Town, stating that it did not authorize the exercise and played no role in its execution.
This clarification was issued in an official statement titled “Lagos Government Denies Involvement in FESTAC Demolition”, released by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, emphasized that the demolition activities were not sanctioned by the state government.
“Contrary to widespread speculation, the Lagos State Government was not involved in the recent demolitions in FESTAC,” Olumide said. “We follow a transparent and regulated procedure for all demolition activities, which includes issuing statutory notices and engaging directly with affected stakeholders.”
He stressed that any demolition exercise carried out without proper clearance from the relevant state authorities does not align with the policies or procedures of the current administration.
“We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government remains committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of property rights,” he added.
Olumide further called on all government agencies, including federal bodies operating within the state, to obtain necessary clearances from the Ministry before initiating any demolition work.
The statement comes in the wake of a controversial demolition operation over the past weekend, during which more than 15 buildings were pulled down at 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, leaving traders and shop owners shocked and displaced. Eyewitnesses reported that bulldozers arrived without warning, dismantling structures one after another.
As the affected residents seek clarity and justice, the state government’s position remains firm it was not responsible for the demolitions.